Laptops arrive for Cape Girardeau students

Add Cape Girardeau to the school districts that have convinced themselves that giving laptops to every student will make the students more "career-ready." That convincing, of course, comes at a cost of a half million dollars.

The district purchased 1,300 ASUS devices for 1,200 students and 100 teachers for an estimated $520,000. The teacher devices already have been distributed so instructors can start getting used to the computers, according to technology coordinator Brian Hall.

(Superintendent for Academic Services Sherry) Copeland said the district was methodical and collaborative throughout the research and device selection process, asking for input from the community, teachers and students. District officials also visited other schools using the laptops for instruction.

"It's not theoretical anymore," said Hall.

Hall and Copeland said the computers will put students at the forefront of college and career readiness.

Cape Girardeau students will receive their laptops Jan. 7.